Ball (US:BALL) ZACKSยท2025-08-05 18:01Core Insights - Ball Corporation reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 90 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 87 cents, and reflecting a 22% year-over-year improvement driven by higher volumes across all segments [1][9] - Total sales reached $3.34 billion, up from $2.96 billion in the same quarter last year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.15 billion, with global aluminum packaging shipments increasing by 4.1% year over year [2][9] Financial Performance - The cost of sales was $2.69 billion, a 14.1% increase from the previous year, while gross profit totaled $648 million, up from $602 million, resulting in a gross margin of 19.4%, down from 20.3% year over year [3] - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 1.4% year over year to $137 million, with comparable segment operating earnings rising to $388 million from $360 million in the prior year [3] Segment Performance - Beverage Packaging North and Central America segment revenues increased by 9.8% year over year to $1.61 billion, with operating earnings of $208 million, down 1% year over year [4] - Beverage Packaging EMEA segment sales rose 19.3% year over year to $1.05 billion, with operating earnings growing by 14.2% to $129 million [5] - Beverage Packaging South America segment revenues increased by 13% year over year to $477 million, with operating earnings rising 37.8% to $51 million [6] Cash Flow and Debt - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 2025 were $0.29 billion, down from $1.35 billion a year earlier, with cash used in operating activities amounting to $0.33 billion in the first half of 2025 [7] - Long-term debt increased to $6.48 billion as of June 30, 2025, from $5.52 billion a year prior [7] Stock Performance - Ball Corporation's shares have declined by 6.8% over the past year, contrasting with the industry's growth of 0.7% [8]